Aiken, SC – November 8, 2020 – Richie Moloney rode Merqusio to victory in the $100,000 1.45m FEI Grand Prix to culminate the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s (SRJT) new event, the Aiken International CSI2*. The event, the first CSI ever held at Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park, proved to be a smashing success.
“We really couldn’t be happier with how everything went here this week,” said Derek Braun, Split Rock Jumping Tour founder and CEO. “Aiken is a premier horse community and the Horse Park is one of the finest horse show facilities anywhere. They deserve to host world-class show jumping and we are thrilled to have brought it here with this new stop on our national tour!
Out of a starting field of 43 horses, Moloney was one of four to reach the tiebreaking jump-off by riding without penalty over the13-jump, first-round course designed by 2016 Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge. Four entries then turned in another clean round over the seven-jump, jump-off course with Moloney claiming the win with the fastest time of 37.260 seconds. Placing second was Abigail McArdle with zero faults and a time of 37.930 on Victorio 5 with third going to Doug Payne who finished with zero faults in 39.280 seconds on Quintessence.
“Two of my horses jumped very well today,” said Moloney. “Merqusio jumped really well, he always does, keeping it nice and smooth. This (the $100,000 1.45m FEI Grand Prix) was the aim all week with both horses.”
Following the Grand Prix, Holly Shepherd was named winner of the Restylane® Leading Rider Award. Continuing a Split Rock Jumping Tour tradition, $1,000 was awarded to Aaron Vale as winner of the Horseflight Fist Pump Award.
To help maintain proper social distancing, everyone is encouraged to utilize the SRJT app. The app can be used to file entries, to add/scratch, and for start lists and course designs. The app also provides live results, live streaming, video clips, notifications, announcements, and much more. Click here to download!
All classes can be watched live, free of charge, on the SRJT app and website (www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com). The SRJT Livestream is Presented by Restylane®.
Now in its sixth year, the SRJT has been revolutionizing the way the sport of show jumping is presented in the U.S. and has been creating a truly “unparalleled show jumping experience” for competitors, sponsors and spectators alike. Competing in the SRJT is unlike any other American horse show experience. SRJT competitions offer top prize money, extravagant awards, and numerous first-class amenities not typically found at any other horse show.
Sunday’s schedule also included the $5,000 Horseflight 1.40m Junior/Amateur Final which was won by Chasen Scott Boggio on CoPilot with second place going to Kristin Glover on Eyecatcher.
The Aiken International CSI2* featured a full schedule of show jumping classes ranging in height from .85m to 1.45m with classes for juniors, amateurs and top professionals. The schedule included three FEI classes, highlighted by the $100,000 1.45m FEI Grand Prix.
The Aiken International CSI2* concludes the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s 2020 schedule but the show jumping world should get ready for new events and more excitement in 2021. “We have some really exciting things planned for next year,” added Braun. “The Split Rock Jumping Tour is going to be taking things to a whole new level so I invite everyone to get ready for what is going to be an incredible 2021!”
SRJT would like to thank the corporate partners and advertisers who are making the Split Rock Jumping Tour a truly unparalleled experience!
Aiken Saddlery • Animo • CWD • Dalman Jump Co • Dinsmore • ESI Footing • FarmVet • Hoffman International Properties, Inc. • Horseflight • Hyaluronex • John Deere/NTRA • Lisa Seger Insurance • PonyApp • Restylane • Roeckl • Vitalize Alimend •
In 2020, SRJT has adopted Green is the New Blue operating standards to prioritize green practices at all Split Rock Jumping Tour events.
Additional information is available at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com.
